Javed Akhtar Biography: Wife, Children, Age, Net Worth, Height, TV Shows, Parents, Books

Javed Akhtar is one of India’s most influential screenwriters, lyricists, and poets. He gained prominence in the 1970s through his partnership with Salim Khan, forming the iconic writing duo Salim-Javed.

Together, they penned several blockbusters, including Sholay, Deewaar, and Zanjeer, considered milestones in Indian cinema.

Akhtar later transitioned to writing lyrics for Bollywood films, with his work on Silsila, 1942: A Love Story and Lagaan bringing him critical acclaim.

Profile

• Full name: Javed Akhtar
• Date of birth: January 17, 1945
• Age: 79 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India
• Nationality: Indian
• Profession: Screenwriter, Lyricist, Poet
• Height: 5 feet 4 inches (1.65 meters)
• Parents: Jan Nisar Akhtar (Father), Safia Akhtar (Mother)
• Siblings: Salman Akhtar (Brother), Shahid Akhtar (Brother), Uneza Akhtar (Sister), Albina (Sister)
• Spouse: Shabana Azmi (married since 1984), Honey Irani (divorced)
• Children: Farhan Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar
• Relationship status: Married
• Religion: Raised Muslim, now an atheist
• Ethnicity: South Asian
• Net worth: $20 million

Early Life and Education

Javed Akhtar was born on January 17, 1945, in Gwalior, India. His father, Jan Nisar Akhtar, was a renowned poet, while his mother, Safia Akhtar, was a singer and writer.

Akhtar grew up surrounded by intellectual and artistic influences, with his uncle, Asrar-ul-Haq Majaz, a celebrated Urdu poet, and his grandfather, Muztar Khairabadi, a prominent figure in the literary world.

By 2024, Javed Akhtar is now 79 years old. He pursued his education at Saifiya College in Bhopal, where he graduated with a degree in arts.

The influence of poetry marked his early life, and he eventually moved to Mumbai in 1964 in pursuit of a career in Bollywood.

Personal Life

Javed Akhtar was first married to Honey Irani, a screenwriter and actress. He has two children: Farhan Akhtar and Zoya Akhtar, both successful filmmakers in their own right.

Farhan, known for directing Dil Chahta Hai and acting in Rock On!!, shares a close bond with his father, as does Zoya, whose films include Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Gully Boy.

Akhtar and Honey Irani divorced, and in 1984, he married Shabana Azmi, a renowned actress and daughter of Urdu poet Kaifi Azmi.

Their marriage has been long-standing in Bollywood, marked by mutual respect for work and activism.

Despite his upbringing in a Muslim family, Akhtar identifies as an atheist and has raised his children in the same way.

Career

Javed Akhtar’s career began with his collaboration with Salim Khan, and together, they became Bollywood’s most successful writing duo.

Their scripts for films such as Zanjeer, Deewaar, Sholay, and Don set the standard for Hindi cinema in the 1970s and early 1980s.

Their work redefined the “angry young man” archetype, most famously portrayed by Amitabh Bachchan.

After parting ways with Salim Khan in 1982, Akhtar established himself as a solo screenwriter and lyricist.

He made a mark in Bollywood with his poetic lyrics in films such as Silsila (1981), 1942: A Love Story (1994), Lagaan (2001), and Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003).

His contribution to Indian music has won him numerous awards, and his literary career also took flight with the publication of his Urdu poetry collections.

Akhtar’s activism and outspoken nature have also made him a significant voice in Indian socio-political discourse.

He has been a staunch advocate of secularism and free speech, often speaking out against religious fundamentalism.

Awards

• National Film Award for Best Lyrics (Saaz, 1996; Border, 1997; Godmother, 1998;
  Refugee, 2000; Lagaan, 2001)
• Sahitya Akademi Award for his poetry collection Lava (2013)
• Richard Dawkins Award for his work in secularism and human rights (2020)
• Filmfare Awards (Numerous, including for Ek Ladki Ko Dekha from 1942: A Love Story and Kal Ho Naa Ho)

Net Worth

Javed Akhtar’s net worth is around USD 20 million.

His wealth comes primarily from his extensive work in Bollywood as a screenwriter and lyricist and royalties from the many hit films he has contributed to.

Controversy

One of Javed’s most high-profile disputes arose in 2021 when he filed a defamation case against actress Kangana Ranaut.

Akhtar accused her of making defamatory statements during an interview linking him to actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death.

The case escalated in 2024 when Akhtar requested a non-bailable warrant against Ranaut for her repeated absence in court following a heated legal battle involving actress Hrithik Roshan.

Akhtar had allegedly asked Ranaut to apologize to Roshan during a meeting at his residence in 2016, which became the root of the defamation case.

In addition, Akhtar has often made headlines for his vocal stance on socio-political issues. In 2018, he was criticized for comparing the opposition to the film Padmaavat to “Taliban-like” behavior.

He and his wife, Shabana Azmi, have been vocal critics of both religious extremism and political censorship, often leading to backlash from various political and cultural groups.

Social Media

• Instagram: N/A
• Twitter: @Javedakhtarjadu

Filmography

• Sholay (1975)
• Deewaar (1975)
• Zanjeer (1973)
• Don (1978)
• Mr. India (1987)
• Saagar (1985)
• Betaab (1983)

Discography

• Silsila (1981)
• 1942: A Love Story (1994)
• Lagaan (2001)
• Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)
• Veer-Zaara (2004)

Books

• Tarkash (1995)
• Lava (2013)